At long last, Saint Peter restaurant has reopened at The Grand National Hotel in Paddington, just upstream from the original Oxford Street site.

The restaurant’s opening marks phase one of the 14-bedroom boutique hotel, with the rooms opening later this year.

Saint Peter at The Grand National offers a completely new dining experience. When the accommodation opens, visitors to the boutique hotel will be able to enjoy pre-drinks and snacks inside a hotel lobby bar, before heading to the stunning ground-floor restaurant for dinner.

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The main dining room is twice the size of the original, with the impressive fit-out curated by Sydney-based designer Studio Aquilo. Inspired by many of Josh’s unexpected culinary combinations, the interiors explore a series of juxtapositions and playful use of materials and elements. Stone, timber, and bleached-out earthy textures reflect an Australian aesthetic with understated luxury.

The main dining room features a dramatic skylight, which floods the room with natural light. Booth and banquette seating is accompanied by a skeletal aged brass pendant light in the restaurant, reminiscent of the backbone of a fish. Artworks lines the walls from both celebrated artists like Ken Done and emerging new talent.

The menu continues to celebrate the finest sustainable seafood from Australia’s best producers, and showcases the Niland’s commitment to whole fish cooking. The kitchen is equipped with temperature-controlled oyster fridges as well as both a charcoal grill and rotisserie,  allowing fish to be cooked in the same way as meat.

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Fans of the intimate experience at the OG Saint Peter can book an exclusive spot at a custom-made chef’s table for six guests with front-row seats at the kitchen pass.

Groups will also be able to celebrate at the venue, with a first-ever private dining room offering bespoke dining for up to 15 guests. The room features a restored heritage fireplace and has its own private entrance on Elizabeth St.

The bar remains at the front of the hotel, offering locals a welcoming place to meet for a beer or wine and a freshly shucked oyster – with a curated range of Australia’s best oysters on the menu, hand-selected by Josh and the Fish Butchery team.

Lunch is à la carte and changes day-to-day, offering guests the opportunity to enjoy the restaurant more frequently, or for hotel patrons to try multiple menus during their stay.

“The luxury accommodation has been so beautifully designed that you will think you are in Paris – until you see the quintessentially Paddington rooftops and beautiful gum trees out your window,” says Julie Niland.

Saint Peter at The Grand National Hotel is open now at 161 Underwood Street, Paddington. For reservations, head to the Saint Peter website.

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